I'm an operating theatre practitioner...AMA!

[wontletmelogin]

I work mainly in scrub sometimes as a surgical first assistant across a huge range of specialities in the private sector.

I also do anaesthetics. AMA

if you had to, do you think you could perform a surgery based on all you’ve seen? Would you be nervous to be operated on in the OR you work in?

Plastics, gynae, urology and general are my main areas. I reckon I could do a breast augmentation, hysteroscopy, vasectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole gallbladder removal) given half the chance

I’d happily be operated on where I work! It would depend on the procedure who I have in the room though...I don’t think I’d be keen to have my legs in stirrups in front of my male colleagues!!

I always wondered about the farting thing as well as all my muscles relax as you go under. I did ask a nurse when I was in recovery but she wouldn't answer so I can only assume I did...

What do you think of Greys Anatomy?

I haven’t watched it! My partner gets the hump cause I point out errors but I’ve heard Greys is very good! It’s just got so many series and I’m not feeling dedicated enough just yet.

do people fart under anaesthesia? sorry to ask an immature question!

I’ve only seen one patient fart and that was mostly because of residual enema left inside before they had surgery in that area!

Awesome thread!

FWIW I think my Dniece was awake during an operation when she was very small. She displays all the symptoms of severe PTSD any time she goes anywhere near a hospital, and had previously been fine having also previously had other ops.

I can recommend Greys Anatomy.

I once met a woman on the train who told me all about how she was awake during surgery in quite some graphic detail. I think it was one of those situations where a person talks to a stranger to offload. Was she lying?

Also, since I had a three day long epidural I've got a numb patch on one leg and the other doesn't lift like it used to. It's hard to describe but it's like I think I'm stepping over say a kerb but I catch and stumble. How common is this? All of the pre surgery info I got says it's v v rare but from talking to two other friends who also had 24+ hour epidural for major surgery all three of us have been left with some effects. Also, what can we do?

I once met a woman on the train who told me all about how she was awake during surgery in quite some graphic detail. I think it was one of those situations where a person talks to a stranger to offload. Was she lying?

Not lying necessarily. Some people have given accounts of conversations that have happened in the room during their surgery. It is something that could happen. I was talking to an anaesthetist recently about this actually, he said when they discussed it as a group only one of his colleagues knew of one patient knowing vague details.

Sorry to hear of your nerve pain it is worth visiting your GP about, there may be some physio you could do. It does usually sort itself out but can take a while.

Loved reading this thread so giving it a cheeky bump for more replies 😊

I might have to give Greys a go then

Is the patient completely naked when they have a GA? I had one and when I went in I was covered but I since heard that they uncover you so you are completely naked.

Is the patient completely naked when they have a GA? I had one and when I went in I was covered but I since heard that they uncover you so you are completely naked.

Definitely not true! We only expose what part we are working on I'm also really hot on dignity so for example if a patient is having an operation where their genitals are exposed I will keep them covered until the very last moment.

Is it true that gingers need more anaesthetic to knock them out?

How carefully do patients get intubated?
If patients have mentioned they have crowns is more care taken to avoid knocking those teeth?

I have a couple of crowns on my front teeth and I've always been so worried that they'll get knocked out whilst being intubated.

Is it true that gingers need more anaesthetic to knock them out?

I've heard this but never seen it in practise...it depends on weight and tolerance mostly. Someone who is used to regular drink/drug intake may need more.

How carefully do patients get intubated?
If patients have mentioned they have crowns is more care taken to avoid knocking those teeth?

Yes absolutely. The anaesthetist will always ask about dental work as should the person working alongside them when you come to the anaesthetic room.

@frankencat a theatre nurse once told
Me that anecdotally, redheads are more prone to sickness/nausea after an anaesthetic. Interesting thread

What is the botox for in the anaesthetic room?
Wibu to ask for a freebie seeing as I'm in there?

Loving this thread

What is the botox for in the anaesthetic room?

We sometimes use it for gastro or urology. It’s not there routinely and is something we need to order ahead of the list. It was probably for another patient on the list

Hi, I would like to know how Midazolam works? Its supposed to make you forget, but I remember my colonoscopy.

Hi, I would like to know how Midazolam works? Its supposed to make you forget, but I remember my colonoscopy.

Depends on the dose. Guidelines say we can only give X amount maximum dose now during colonoscopy. It’s enough to make you feel chilled but also keep you awake as they need you to love positions throughout the procedure. Whether your endoscopist gives you the maximum dose is down to them. Due to the nature of that test and depending on your bowel it can be uncomfortable and therefore more memorable. I’ve had both patients who remember and those who don’t.

Move positions not love

I’ve had lots of laparoscopies for endometriosis and I’ve always assumed that the reason you have to untie your gown before you lie down is because they remove it but someone here said that’s not the case - could you confirm?

I remember watching an episode the tv show Bodies where they made comments about women’s bodies having gynae surgery and it’s made me hate going under now!

If you have a procedure with propofol, are you aware at all or are you completely oblivious, in the same way as you would be with a GA? Are there any side effects with propofol?

I had dental treatment under iv sedation and for me it was exactly like having a GA. I remember nothing at all.